The Danger of Desire by Sabrina Jeffries

The third book in the sexy Sinful Suitors Regency romance series, this heart-pounding story shows why New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries is one of the most beloved historical romance writers today.

To root out the card cheat responsible for her brother’s death, Miss Delia Trevor spends her evenings dancing her way through high society balls, and her late nights disguised as a young man gambling her way through London’s gaming hells. Then one night, handsome Warren Corry, the Marquess of Knightford, a notorious member of St. George’s Club, recognizes her. When he threatens to reveal her secret, she’s determined to keep him from ruining her plans, even if it means playing a cat-and-mouse game with the enigmatic rakehell.

Warren knows the danger of her game, and he refuses to watch her lose everything while gaining justice for her late brother. But when she starts to delve beneath his carefully crafted façade, can he keep her at arm’s length while still protecting her? Or will their hot desires explode into a love that transcends the secrets of their pasts?

This is by far my favorite book in the series (so far—given there will be The Pleasures of Passion coming out in 2017). Delia is probably the most unique historical romance heroine that I’ve read to this date. I mean, there aren’t that many female characters dressing as men anymore (in fiction, obviously historically it’s been over for a while since women have gained more autonomy—thank god). Her determination was admirable, if not foolhardy at times (I definitely understood Warren’s frustration with her regarding that). Her dedication to her family was amazing, and her stubborness was definitely relatable.

Warren Corry is a gentleman. Which is kind of ironic for me to say given he’s called a “rakehell” in the book description. He has to be to be part of St. George’s club, though (the whole point is for the reformed rakes to pool their information on other scoundrels to protect their female relatives whom they have to marry off). And he’s super sexy. Shallow of me? Yes. But, come on, that’s really the only draw of these historical novels because what female in her right mind wants to go backward in history? I do kind of miss the required manners for males, though. But… having to always be polite to these obnoxious gentlemen isn’t something I really want, either. I like being able to tell a man to “f— off” if he pisses me off.

The plot was interesting, although it dragged in a few places, and although I did guess the culprit Delia was searching for, and it was a little ex machina, I still liked that story twist.